Cabinet Hinge Type Calculator
Determine the right cabinet hinge type based on door weight, overlay, and opening angle.
Covers European, face frame, and inset hinges.
Enter your cabinet door dimensions and type to determine the right hinge configuration.
Understanding Cabinet Hinge Selection
Choosing the correct cabinet hinge involves matching the hinge type to your door overlay, door weight, and desired opening angle. The overlay is how much the door overlaps the cabinet face frame or side panel when closed. Getting this wrong means doors that do not close properly, gaps between adjacent doors, or doors that sag over time due to insufficient weight support from the hinges.
Hinge Types by Overlay:
| Overlay Type | Overlay Amount | Best Hinge | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full overlay | 3/4 in - 1-1/4 in (19 - 32 mm) | European 110° or 170° | Door covers entire face frame opening |
| Half overlay | 3/8 in - 5/8 in (10 - 16 mm) | European 110° half overlay | Two doors share one face frame stile |
| Inset | 0 in (0 mm) | European inset or butt hinge | Door sits flush inside the frame |
| Variable overlay | Varies | Adjustable European | Custom overlay for non-standard cabinets |
Number of Hinges by Door Height and Weight:
The general rule is two hinges for doors up to 40 inches (100 cm) tall, and one additional hinge for every 20 inches (50 cm) beyond that. Heavy doors made of solid hardwood or with glass panels need more hinges than lightweight doors.
| Door Height | Standard Weight | Heavy Door |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 24 in (60 cm) | 2 hinges | 2 hinges |
| 24 - 40 in (60 - 100 cm) | 2 hinges | 3 hinges |
| 40 - 60 in (100 - 150 cm) | 3 hinges | 4 hinges |
| 60 - 80 in (150 - 200 cm) | 4 hinges | 5 hinges |
Weight Capacity per Hinge:
A standard European concealed hinge (35 mm cup) supports approximately 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kg) per hinge. Heavy-duty European hinges with thicker mounting plates support 15 to 25 pounds (6.8 to 11.3 kg) per hinge. Traditional butt hinges and surface-mount hinges vary widely, but a standard 3-inch butt hinge supports about 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 13.6 kg) per hinge.
Opening Angle Options:
European concealed hinges are available in several opening angles. The standard 110-degree opening works for most applications. A 170-degree hinge allows the door to fold almost flat against the adjacent cabinet, which is useful for cabinets at the end of a row or next to appliances. A 95-degree hinge is designed for face-frame cabinets where the door would hit the adjacent door or a wall with a wider opening.
Soft-Close Feature:
Most modern European hinges are available with an integrated soft-close mechanism or a separate clip-on damper. Soft-close hinges prevent slamming by decelerating the door in the last few degrees of closing. They add approximately 2 to 5 dollars per hinge to the cost but significantly extend cabinet life and reduce noise. Retrofit soft-close adapters can be added to most existing European hinges without replacing the entire hinge.
Mounting Screw Considerations:
Use the screws provided with the hinge. European hinges require a 35 mm (1-3/8 inch) cup hole drilled in the door. The cup hole center should be 21 to 23 mm (13/16 to 7/8 inch) from the door edge for standard overlay configurations.